Brussels, August 27, 2025

Pax Christi International stands with the Patriarchates of Jerusalem in their call for immediate cessation of the violence and collective punishment perpetrated on the Palestinian people of Gaza.

“Fleeing to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence.”

Pax Christi International echoes the profound alarm and condemnation of the impending siege of Gaza City expressed by the Latin and Greek Patriarchates of Jerusalem [1] . We renew our denunciation of the ongoing occupation and blockade of Gaza, which continues to subject more than two million Palestinians to unbearable suffering, systemic violence and grave violations of international law and human rights.

We amplify the growing fears of what this mass military mobilisation and imminent offensive will mean for those sheltering in the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and Holy Family Catholic Church. Over the last 22 months, these holy sites have provided a refuge for hundreds of civilians of all faiths. For many years, the Latin compound has been host to the Missionaries of Charity Sisters who provide critical care for the elderly and those adults and children with significant disabilities.

We share the deep concern of the Patriarchates that the men, women and children, especially the elderly and disabled, who are so weakened by malnutrition, traumatised by continued bombing and without any mode of transportation, other than on foot, will not be able to relocate and escape the coming onslaught. As they say “Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds.” We fear for their safety.

Churches, mosques, hospitals, and all civilian infrastructure are protected under international humanitarian law. Any attack or forced evacuation of such places constitutes a serious violation of the Geneva Conventions and an affront to the shared values of humanity and dignity. Days ago, as Israel’s threat of invading and destroying Gaza City became clear, Pope Leo XIV said “All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile.” (Address to the group of refugees from Chagos, 23.8.2025).

The situation has reached catastrophic proportions. International bodies have already declared famine conditions in Gaza, the direct result of Israel’s blockade, repeated assaults, and deliberate restrictions on essential goods and services. The plans to obliterate another pivotal area of Gaza with callous disregard for its residents is yet one more step in Israel’s strategic goal to decimate the land, rendering it unlivable, and impose what amounts to collective punishment of an entire population.

Pax Christi International urgently calls for:

1. An immediate, unhindered and permanent ceasefire, to end the relentless violence as the only way to protect civilian life and prevent further atrocities.

2. An end to the blockade and occupation of Gaza, restoring freedom of movement and dignity to its people so that they may realise their inalienable rights to self-determination.

3. Full respect for international law, including the protection of religious and humanitarian sites from attack or forced displacement.

4. An Immediate release of all hostages, Israeli and Palestinian, and those held by Israel in administrative detention, including any medical or humanitarian workers. Bodies of the deceased held by Hamas or Israel should be returned to their families without delay.

5. Unrestricted humanitarian aid delivery, to be carried out exclusively by independent humanitarian NGOs and international agencies, not entities under the control of the occupying government. The delivery of food, medicine, and shelter must not be weaponised or politically conditioned.

6. The imposition of an arms embargo on Israel, ending the sale or transfer of weapons and military technologies that sustain the occupation, blockade, and humanitarian catastrophe.

7. A strong, coordinated diplomatic response by the international community to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of international law and to protect the fundamental rights of Palestinians.

As people of faith and conscience, we affirm that famine and collective punishment are crimes against humanity and must not be tolerated. We therefore urge governments, civil society, and faith-based communities worldwide to act without delay: to work tirelessly toward a future rooted in reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace.

[1] lpj.org/en/news/statement-by-the-latin-patriarchate-of-jerusalem ↩︎